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End of Year Story Ideas

Posted by Â鶹´«Ă˝ Communications on December 3, 2024 in News

The holiday season is upon us, and we have put together a list of experts who can speak to festive topics that may be of interest to your audiences during this time of year. 

Real versus Artificial – Decorating for the holidays with the planet in mind
The debate is very real amoungst Christmas tree enthusiasts. For some it’s their love of that fresh tree sent that fills their home over the holidays. For others, it’s the ease of bringing up the tree from the storage room and not having to adhere to the maintenance that comes with having a fresh cut tree. Real versus artificial can be a real conundrum for some, but what are the environmental factors that one should consider when deciding on a tree and other holiday decorations. Dr. Tony Walker, professor in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, can provide insight into what factors one should consider when choosing a tree and decorating for the holidays in terms of what is least harmful to the environment. 

Online holiday shopping safety
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of finding the perfect gift for your friends and loved ones while sipping hot coco and shopping from the comfort of your home. But, with all the excitement, it’s important to remember online safety tips be before you enter your credit card number and hit “complete purchase.” Dr. Nur Zincir-Heywood, distinguished research professor and associate dean research in the Faculty of Computer Science can offer online safety tips to ensure you don’t get scammed this holiday season.

Political happenings - A look back at the year that was, and forward to what’s coming in Canadian and American politics
The world of politics has been anything but dull this past year. Dr. Lori Turnbull, professor (Faculty of Management), Dr. Robert Huish, associate professor (Department of International Development Studies), and Dr. Gabrielle Bardall, adjunct professor  (Department of Political Science), can provide a look back at the major political happenings in North America for 2024, and what to expect from Canadian and American politicians and leaders as we move into the new year. 

The state of the economy 
Dr. Lars Osberg, professor in Â鶹´«Ă˝â€™s Department of Economics can provide a look back on the country’s economic state and a glimpse ahead at what we can anticipate as we move into the new year – in particular, the implications for the country and for Canadians as the Trump presidency begins.

Supporting the homeless during the festive season and winter months
The holiday season is often a time when people take stock of their blessings and look for ways to give back to their community. In the face of a major Canadian-wide housing crisis, people now more than ever, are looking for ways to support those who are experiencing homelessness. Dr. Jeff Karabanow,Ěýassociate director and professor in Â鶹´«Ă˝ School of Social Work can provide tangible suggestions on how people can support those experiencing homelessness this winter season and beyond. 

How to be kind to yourself as you embark on a “new you” this New Years
The new year marks a time when people reflect on the past and set goals for how they will “better themselves” in the coming year. Many people set New Year’s resolutions to get healthier, be kinder, give more, lose weight etc., but are these resolutions realistic and/or healthy? Clinical psychologist and perfectionism expert,ĚýDr. Simon Sherry can discuss creating a more compassionate approach to creating New Year’s resolutions. 

Putting food on the table this holiday season an into the new year
While inflation continues to impact everyday necessities, people are struggling to find affordable ways to feed their families nutritious everyday meals let alone prepare for festive family gatherings. Dr. Sara Kirk, professor in Â鶹´«Ă˝â€™s School of Health and Human Performance can provide tips on how provide healthy meals for yourself and your families throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

Financial planning for the holidays and into the new year
The impact of inflation is placing a significant strain on Canadians’ finances. Samantha Taylor, senior instructor in the Rowe School of Business, can offer insight on how people can enjoy the holidays without taking on unmanageable consumer debt. She can also provide ideas on how to manage the impacts of high inflation rates and prepare for a possible recession.

Note: Samantha Taylor in only avaliable the week of December 16-20 and will be in the MST time zone. 

Special Note: Interview requests will be subject to expert’s availability at time of request.